Tourism suffers setback as snowfall eludes Dharamsala

DHARAMSALA: Tourists are keeping away from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh as the region awaits winter snowfall.

Visitors, mainly domestic tourists usually throng the region during this time to enjoy the cool climate and snowfall.

The dwindling numbers of tourists has worried residents about the economy of the hill resort in the absence of brisk tourist arrivals.

"People come here during Christmas and New Year to enjoy snowfall. But this time, it is so disappointing. Even, the international festivals that take place during this season have not been held. This is a matter of concern and if this is how things are going to continue, tourists will stop coming here," said Rishi Pathania, a resident.

Businessmen too are worried. "During New Year people used to throng the area. And these days, hardly anybody comes here. We have no business," said Prem Sagar, a businessman.

Also known as Mini Lhasa, Dharamsala, with its large number of monasteries and a centre of Buddhist learning, attracts over 600,000 foreign tourists every year.

Located in the Dhauladhar Himalayan ranges, Dharamsala, the home of Tibetan spiritual head the Dalai Lama, is famous for its scenic beauty.

Tourists from far-flung eastern States, which have moderate climate throughout, are seen in large numbers in the valley. Tourism is the mainstay of State's economy.

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